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As a result of the recent cold weather, Murcia City Council has activated its ‘Operación Frío’, a special programme to care for vulnerable people and those living on the streets, until the spell of low temperatures ends.

 

This programme, which is launched by the city authorities whenever thermometers drop below 5ºC, distributes hot drinks, blankets, warm clothing and food to homeless people and those in need.

 

So far, 90 people have received vital help thanks to this programme, 78 of them men and 12 women.

 

Teams from the Mobile Emergency Social Care Service (SEMAS) – made up of social workers, local police officers and volunteers – distribute food and clothing and also offer social support and guidance on available resources.

 

There are also places to sleep at the Jesús Abandonado centre, and various social organisations – in coordination with each other and with SEMAS – carry out night-time street patrols, not only when the weather is inclement, but on a regular basis, as is the case with Solidarios para el Desarrollo, Jesús Abandonado, La Huertecica and Cáritas.

 

This initiative is a vital safety net for the dozens of people who have nowhere else to turn, both when the weather gets unbearably cold outside at night and throughout the rest of the year.

 

 

Image: Brian Scantlebury